Toy store to open in time for Santa season
A NEW toy shop will take centre stage in Preston when it opens next month – just in time for Christmas.
High street toy retailer The Entertainer which has more than 100 stores nationwide, will open in St George’s Shopping Centre on November 21, creating nine jobs.
The store will occupy a 2,600 sq ft unit situated on the upper Friargate mall and is the latest new addition to the centre.
It will sell a range of toys for all ages from action toys to board games and dolls houses to craft sets.
St George’s general manager Andrew Stringer said: “Preston has been lacking a toy shop for some time and we’re delighted to bringing such an established one to St George’s.
“The Entertainer stocks a huge range of toys and it will be a hit for the whole family.”
The Entertainer was established in 1981 by husband and wife team, Gary and Catherine Grant, when they opened a toy shop in Amersham, Bucks, stocking popular toys such as Cabbage Patch Kids and the iconic Rubiks Cube.
The toy retailer, which has seen profits soar in the past five years plans to open further stores across the UK. As well as Preston, it has taken a unit on George Street in Altrincham, south Manchester.
Gary Grant said: “After experiencing such solid growth across the UK, we are pleased to announce the opening of the Preston store.
“St George’s Shopping Centre itself continues to offer a strong retail position for our store as it attracts large numbers of family shoppers who are demanding more toy shopping choice on the high street and within shopping centres.
“We look forward to bringing joy and wonder to the children of Preston.”
The new store is set to open on Saturday November 21, kicking off with a charity trolley dash and costume character appearances throughout the day. It will then be open Monday-Saturday from 9am until 6pm.
